Importance

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Abstract

A wireless communication network includes position-based capacity reservation of base stations. Using, for example, the Global Positioning System (GPS), a mobile unit may periodically determine its position and communicate its position to base stations as the mobile unit moves through the network. In addition, the capacity needs of the mobile unit's connection may be communicated expressly by the unit or deduced from the connection itself. A network management system receives the position and capacity information of the mobile unit, and then estimates a route of the mobile unit through the network. Such route may be determined either 1) explicitly, given information transmitted by the mobile unit or 2) implicitly, by tracking the direction of movement of the mobile unit through the network. Consequently, the network management system may determine the availability of capacity of base stations along the estimated route through the network. Given this information, the network management system may take one or more of the following actions. First, capacity of each base station along the route may be reserved in anticipation of the mobile unit's arrival into the base station's coverage area. Second, base stations may be selected for handoff along the route and the identity of these base stations communicated to the mobile unit. Third, an alternative route may be communicated to the mobile unit, and that alternative route may include base stations having relatively greater available capacity. Fourth, directions may be provided to the mobile unit to bring the mobile unit closer, in position, to a base station.

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First Claim